Can Basset Hounds Chew on Bones? (Yes)

As a Basset hound owner for over a decade, I can understand wanting what’s best for your puppy. Many new dog owners wonder can Basset hounds chew on bones. It is a great question and I am happy that you are trying to research this before you give your pooch a bone.

Basset hounds can chew on bones and digest them safely as long as the bones are from raw meat and are uncooked. Cooked bones on other hand can be dangerous because when cooked, they become hard and brittle and can easily splinter or break and hurt your Basset hound.

Be advised, regardless of what kind of bones you give to your Basset hound, you have to watch him while he eats. Chewing bones can be very beneficial for your Basset hound, but there are some dangers that you have to know about.

The Dangers of Chewing on Bones

Allowing your Basset hound to chew on bones can do more harm than good if you don’t know what you are doing. Not all bones are good for dogs. You should avoid giving your Basset hound pork bones, rib bones, rawhide bones, poultry bones, and all cooked bones. Here are some of the dangers that you are facing each time you give your dog a bone:

1. Raw bones are a safer option for your Basset hound, but there is no guarantee that the bone won’t splinter and become a potential choking hazard.
2. Cooked bones can have a lot of negative health effects on your Basset hound. Cooked bones tend to break off in small pieces easily and can get stuck in the intestine and cause internal damage.
3. Sharp pieces can break off from cooked bones and can cause mouth and tongue injuries.
4. Cooked bones become hard and can break your Basset’s teeth.
5. If your Basset hound ingests a small and sharp piece of a cooked bone, it can cause a blockage or puncture in the windpipe, esophagus, and other organs.
6. Don’t give your Basset hound bones if he has issues with pancreatitis.
7. If your Basset hound tries to eat the whole bone at one time, you might want to take the bone from him.
8. Cooked bones can cause constipation, esophagus blockage, broken teeth, mouth injuries, rectal bleeding, and peritonitis.
9. Store-bought bones can cause choking, gastrointestinal blockage, diarrhea, vomiting, or death.

Health Benefits From Chewing on Bones

To be honest, there are more pros than cons when it comes to chewing on bones. A lot of people are scared, but trust me, if you are there and keep a close watch while your Basset hound is chewing on bones, his health will benefit from that. Here are some of the health benefits of chewing on bones:

1. Chewing on bones will provide mental stimulation for your Basset hound.
2. Basset hounds tend to be more relaxed, calm, and focused when they chew on bones.
3. Chewing is a natural Basset hound instinct that they have to do to stay sane.
4. Many vets suggest that chewing on bone relieves anxiety.
5. The bone marrow has a lot of protein that your Basset hound needs.
6. Chewing on bones has a lot of benefits for your dog’s teeth. It helps with teeth hygiene and makes teeth strong. However, you have to make sure that the bone is not too hard.
7. Bones are rich in calcium, glucose, and other minerals.
8. Basset hounds love chewing on bones.
9. Bones break down tartar and therefore improve dental health.
10. Chewing on bones can benefit the digestive system and prevents bloating.
11. Bones can strengthen stomach muscles.

Which Bones Are Safe For Basset Hounds

Never Chew	Chew Sometimes	Safe To Chew
Any cooked bones	Rawhide	Raw Turkey Bones
Pork Bones	Store-bough bones	Raw Lamb Bones
Rib Bones		Raw Chicken Bones
Poultry bones		Large Beef Hip Bone
		Large Beef Femur
		Large Bison Hip Bone
		Large Bison Femur
		Beef Shank

I said earlier that giving bones to your Basset hound can be both dangerous and beneficial. You have to be smart and do a little bit of research because not all bones are safe for your dog. So, how to know which bones are safe for your Basset hound?

The first and most important rule is to never give cooked bones to your Basset hound. It is essential that the bone is not from previously cooked meat or table scraps. Cooked bones are hard to chew on and digest.

Recreational bones are larger and filled with marrow. I always give my Basset hound a large femur from bison or beef, a large hip bone from bison or beef, and a beef shank.

Always be present when your Basset hound is chewing a bone. There is no guarantee that a raw bone won’t break and choke your dog. I always give my Basset hound a raw bone that he chews on for 30 minutes. I am always close to him washing the dishes and keeping an eye on him.

Basset hounds are not known as aggressive dogs and you don’t have to worry about them tearing up a bone into thousand pieces. But still, keep an eye while they chew on a bone.

If you are unsure of some bone and where it comes from, do not give it to your Basset hound. As wise people say it is always better to be safe than sorry.

In Conclusion

It is up to you to decide if your Basset hound should chew on bones. Honestly, my personal opinion is to always give your Basset hound a to chew on bones. The thing is that they love chewing bones. You shouldn’t deprive them of chewing bones. However, you have to do research and know which bones are safe for your Basset and which are not.

There are more pros than cons. Let me know what you think about chewing on bones. I hope this article will help you distinguish safe from unsafe bones for your dog. Are you allowing your Basset hound to chew bones and which types?